Mushfiq banks on some effective T20 players
Chittagong Vikings skipper Mushfiqur Rahim said yesterday that they want to embark on their Bangladesh Premier League campaign in the ensuing sixth-edition of the blockbuster Twenty20 cricket tournament with a winning note.
Even if Chittagong Vikings are not stronger enough than others BPL franchise teams on pen and papers, Mushfiqur believes that they have some effective Twenty20 players in the Vikings’ current contingent on whom they are banking most and move forward their mission with them.
He also said that they will attempt to bring a good combination in the team as early as possible to carry out the momentum which is important more in the high-intensity of the four-six laden cricket tournament.
“As it is the first match, all will seek to make a good start. We also want so. The match we will play first in BPL is against the defending champions, that’s right but all will begin afresh this time,” said Mushfiqur Rahim.
“Even though we’re not stronger much on pen and papers, we’ve some effective Twenty20 players. I’m hopeful that we could be made a good start by them,” Mushfiqur told media at the pre-match day practice session of the National Academy ground of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
“Starting is important. So, we are focusing on the opening match. Now it’s imperative to apply the plan in the field,” he added.
Wicketkeeper-batsman said that they need to perform in the ground as they have good batsmen along with good bowling attack.
“BPL is such a format, you all look, here foreign players make a good performance but local players have also good contribution. If you look, you will see that every team has a good local recruitment. We’ve also good players whether it’s batting-pace and spin attack,” Vikings captain said.
“But the biggest thing is to perform well in the field. We’re trying to make a good combination of the team quickly because it’s not got much time. Some of our foreign players have arrived today. So, we have to be prepared so quick,” he continued.
“We’ve a good chance to do well. I believe Chittagong Vikings could be showcased some surprises. There are some players, who will do well for the team, I believe. Foreign cricketers are coming that meant the BPL in the world is being popular more than other times.”
“We get chance to play a good number of matches here. Young players acquire experience to share with the experienced foreign players. They get many chances to learn. I hope this BPL will be very good and successful.”
When asked about his captaincy in BPL for Chittagong Vikings, the 31-year-old Mushfiqur answered “It’s matter of honour, a matter of enjoyment. At the same time, it’s also challenging because everybody has a big expectation. There is also pressure from the owners or supporters.”
“The responsibility I got after a long time. With the performance I’ll try to deliver a good result to Vikings more than the last edition,” the diminutive batsman added.
“I’ve tried to give my utmost best whatever times I play in BPL. But sometimes it happened and sometimes not. True is that if the captain could lead the team from the front, it’s then easier to do the main thing. This time I also try to do it.”
“He toiled hard. He performed at domestic level cricket. He also plays well, Inshaallah. And if he plays well, it’ll also good for the Bangladesh cricket,” he said of Mohammad Ashraful, who will play his first BPL for Vikings after being freed from his international suspension for match and spot fixing scam.
